2-Day Family Trip: Chennai → Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Day 1: Travel to Aurangabad & Ajanta Caves

Morning: Depart from Chennai on an early morning flight to Aurangabad (≈2 h 30 m). Upon arrival, enjoy a light breakfast at the airport and board a private hired van for the 2‑hour drive to the Ajanta hill base.

Afternoon: After checking into a family‑friendly resort near Ajanta, head to the Ajanta Caves. Explore the world‑renowned Buddhist rock‑cut monuments, spending roughly three hours admiring the frescoes and sculptures.

Evening: Return to the resort for a relaxing dinner featuring Maharashtrian cuisine. Take a short sunset walk around the reservoir, letting the kids unwind before bedtime.

Day 2: Ellora Caves & Return to Chennai

Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Aurangabad (≈2 h) and check out of the resort. Proceed to the Ellora Caves, beginning with the spectacular Kailasa Temple (Cave 16).

Afternoon: Continue touring the remaining caves, including the Jain and Hindu complexes. Allocate about three hours total, then enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant serving local thalis.

Evening: Head to Aurangabad airport for an evening flight back to Chennai, arriving late at night and concluding the memorable family adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight Chennai ↔ Aurangabad (4 persons): 4 h total, ₹40,000
• Private van hire (2 days, 300 km): 10 h total, ₹6,000
• Accommodation (1 night resort near Ajanta): 2 rooms, ₹8,000
• Ajanta Caves entry (2 adults + 2 children): 3 h, ₹1,800
• Ellora Caves entry (2 adults + 2 children): 3 h, ₹1,500
• Meals & miscellaneous (2 days): ₹5,000
Total Estimated Cost: ₹62,300

Tips

To extend the trip, add a half‑day visit to the historic Daulatabad Fort or a sunrise tour of the nearby Bibi Ka Maqbara. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the evening walk on Day 1 and take an early afternoon flight back, reducing travel time but still capturing the highlights of both cave complexes.